'Out of the Darkness' suicide prevention walk is Sept. 10

Luverne will host its second annual ‘Out of the Darkness’ suicide prevention walk on Sept. 10 following an amazing outpouring of support for our walk last year.
The Luverne community has been known to lend a hand in hardship and prides itself in the health and sustainability of the community.
Our goal is to ensure the mental health of this community is also considered. We want to provide support to those who suffer with mental health concerns or suicidal thoughts to know they are not alone and that help is available.
We also want to express to those who have lost a loved one to suicide that we see them and support them in their grief.
We are seeking community partners and sponsors to support this walk and these goals.
More than 48,000 Americans die by suicide each year. It is the 10th-leading cause of death in the United States and is the eighth-leading cause of death in Minnesota.
The Out of the Darkness Experience like the one in Luverne on Sept. 10 raises awareness, creates connections, builds community and provides hope.
More than 1,500 walkers, volunteers, partners and advocates worked together to raise over $230,000 to increase awareness and support the fight against suicide in our state.
This outpouring of support is a strong indicator that the conversation about mental health and suicide prevention is changing, improving and expanding.
As we all protect our mental health and cope with uncertainty, it’s more important than ever to be there for each other and take steps to prevent suicide.
Our Luverne walk raised over $15,000 last year and hosted 300 walkers. We connected people with much-needed programs this year, and we couldn’t have done it without generous support for our cause.
Now we are hoping to surpass our fundraising goals this year to help the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention continue the important work of saving lives.
The foundation helps develop suicide prevention initiatives and education programs, and it maintains a powerful voice in mental health and suicide prevention advocacy efforts.
Support is available to those affected by suicide, to suicide attempt survivors, and to those struggling with mental health conditions. Our goal is to ensure mental health is a part of the conversation during difficult times.
Luverne’s Out of the Darkness Walk will be Saturday, Sept. 10, at the Luverne City Park. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. and the walk is from 9 to 11 a.m.
To join us for the walk, register at afsp.org/luverne.
To support the effort financially, contact me at angela.nolz@sanfordhealth.org